The ancient city of Abeokuta no doubt is home to civilization. It has records of many unprecedented achievements over the years. It is the capital of Ogun State and the country home of the Abeokuta club, one of the foremost socio-cultural clubs in Nigeria. The club is the pride of all Egba elites and Socialites. They see it as their second home. It is a club where members are of homogeneous backgrounds and they mingle well as one.
The Abeokuta club was formed on the 4th of June 1972 as a platform for promoting the Egba race and assuaging the cause of its people. Ever since its formation, the group has lived up to its essence as many people see it as a movement. They are very proud of the club and its laudable achievements.
The club under its president, Engineer Chief Tokunbo Odebunmi, chairman of the Ogun State Civil Service Commission, saw the need to celebrate its anniversary in a big way. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of their beloved club is very significant to every member. They had done well in staging a very big event which was spread over 10 days (between 21st of July to 13th August, 2022). The whole ceremony was held in grand style as prominent personalities of Egbe descent graced the occasion.
The ceremony was eventful as it featured lots of activities which include; Visitation to Royal Fathers in the land, a Press Conference at the Olatunde Abudu Meeting Room, Church Service at St. Peter Church in Ake, Visitation to Children Home and Lepers Colony, Anniversary Lecture, Tree Planting at the Club’s premises, Inter Club Games and Competition, Medical Outreach to communities in Egba land, Jumat Service at the Egbe Central Mosque, Kobiti Community Projects exhibition s and award ceremony, and Night of Indigenous Egba Music.
Saturday 6th August 2022 was a special day set aside for the grand finale of the big celebration which was held at the club’s Presidential Boulevard in Ibara, Abeokuta. The day’s programme featured Luncheon/Fund Raising as well as the induction ceremony.
IT WAS A GLAMOROUS CEREMONY
The event was so glamorous that it was graced by top Ogun State government functionaries such as the Ogun state Governor and patron of the club, Prince Dr Dapo Abiodun who came in the company of some members of the Ogun State Executive Council; The Alake of Egbaland and Grand Patron of Abeokuta, His Royal Majestic Oba Dr Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo; Ogun State Ex-Governors Otunba Gbenga Daniel, ex-Ogun State Governors and Aremo Olusegun Osoba; Former Military Administrator of the State, Navy Captain Bashir Raji; Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Tokunbo Talabi; former Chief of Staff, Alhaji Shuaib Salisu, Justice Demola Obaperu (RTD); the Aro of Eba, Chief…; Chief Niyi Adegbenro, Dr Femi Majekodunmi and many others. Also worthy of note at the ceremony was the presence of members of the Egba Traditional Council. It was indeed a big party attended by the “who is who” in society. They did not only travel from far and near to grace the occasion as they came alongside their family, friends and associates to join in celebrating their beloved club.
NOTABLE SPEECHES MADE AT THE CEREMONY
The president of the noble club, Engineer Chief Tokunbo Odebunmi was the Chief Host of the occasion. During his welcome address, he spoke extensively about the club and how it has held the Egba people together over the years. He also stated its role in championing the course of its people. He said he sees the Abeokuta Club as a movement. Meanwhile, he charged the people with sustaining the love and unity the reputable club preaches. He however called the attention of the Ogun State to the plight of the Egba people as he clamoured for more infrastructural projects majorly roads on the land. He also used the medium to seek the governor’s appointment of more Egba indigenes in his cabinet.
Also speaking at the occasion was Prince Dapo Abiodun, the executive governor and Patron of the club. In his speech, he felicitated with members of Abeokuta Club for reaching the golden jubilee, milestone years of existence. He, therefore, promised to always support the club and see to the yearnings of the people of Egba, particularly Abeokuta which is the capital city of Ogun state. He took time to run through what his government has done since it was sworn in. He also revealed his plans to transform the state and make it greater.
The Alake of Egba during his remarks applauded Prince Dapo Abiodun as a governor who keeps promises made at all times. He as well affirms some of the projects mentioned by the governor which were done in Abeokuta. He, therefore, expressed his optimism the governor would complete what he had begun. He concluded his speech by commending Abeokuta for doing well in putting up the beautiful edifice where the ceremony was held. He also donated a huge sum of money as a way of supporting the club.
HOW CHIEF KEHINDE SHOFENWA WAS INSTALL AS OLUWO OF ABEOKUTA CLUB
The role of the Olowo in a social-cultural club like the Abeokuta Club is highly significant. Whoever occupies the position is the spiritual father. This is why the club takes time to observe due diligence in choosing its Oluwo. The choice of Chief Kehinde Shofenwa as the new Oluwo of Abeokuta club is apt, just like a round peg in a round hole. Chief Shofenwa is The Bantun of Egbaland, a well-respected position among the Egba Chiefs. His installation was part of the programme of the day. He was blessed by The Alake after which all the high chiefs and dignitaries present took turns to bless the new Oluwo as they wished for a successful reign.
AT THE FUNDRAISING
The fund raised at the ceremony was quite impressive as top dignitaries and guests present donated handsomely to the pulse of the club. Abeokuta club under Engineer Odebunmi has done remarkably well in improving the clubhouse. There are still lots of projects to be carried out at its premises to make the club more appealing and comfortable to members and guests who come for visitation. The level of work done has motivated dignitaries and members so well that they donated more money to aid the transformation of the club into a great centre.
The event came to full life when Juju music icon, Evangelist Obey-Fabiyi, mounted the stage to sing as members of the Abeokuta club rejoiced with one another at the club’s 50th anniversary. Club Members and their guests stormed the stage to dance and merry as they enjoyed the classic music dished out by the legendary musician.
Also commemorating the landmark ceremony, the club would hold a golf competition on 13th August 2022 at the Abeokuta Golf Club. Many members and lovers of the club are eager to partake either as players or crowds on the day.
43 NEW MEMBERS WERE INDUCTED INTO THE CLUB
An induction ceremony was held during the anniversary party. 43 new members were inducted and absorbed into the prestigious club. The induction exercise was conducted in two batches due to a large number of inductees. They all went through an official oath-taking after which they were made to sign the oath document as they officially become members. The oath-taking was supervised by Barrister Akinremi, a bonafide member of the Abeokuta club. The President of the club took time to welcome new members. He admonished on adhering to the ethical standards of the club. He went further to show them how they were expected to dress at the club’s social gathering which should always be in complete Agbada wear. He emphasized the direction to wave their symbolic traditional cap “Gobi”. This he said should be waived in the left-hand direction. The newly inducted members quickly adjusted their caps to follow the style of the club as demonstrated by the President.
VETERAN MUSICIAN ICON AND EVANGELIST EBENEZER OBEY GLAMORIZED THE PARTY
It was another top-notch performance from the legendary Juju Music Icon, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey. The octogenarian was full of life on stage after coming out stronger from the mourning of one of his beloved sons. His display depicts true professionalism. He sang classical songs to entertain members of the Abeokuta club and their distinguished guests at the ceremony. Almost every one of them took turns to mount the stage as they danced and rejoiced on the club hosting its 50th anniversary.
MEET THE NEWLY INDUCTED MEMBERS OF ABEOKUTA CLUB
As Abeokuta Club marks its 50th anniversary in grand style, it absorbed 43 new members into its fold. Following their induction ceremony, they have now become full-fledged members of the club. They are all respected men in their chosen fields of endeavours. Below are the names of the esteemed and reputable individuals joining the club: Chief Olamoye Oyekanmi Oyesiku, Mr. Adesina Tajudeen Odunmbaku, Alhaji Abolade Tajudeen Ogunlolu, Dr. Olubori Idowu Sonde, Alhaji Festus Olusina Oyejobi, Alhaji Hakeem Olatunde Durowoju, Mr. John Oladipo Sokunbi, Dr. Adesanya Ekunday Ayinde, Alhaji Musiliu Ebu Atinuke, Mr. Ayodeji Afolabi Oyekunle, Mr. Adebayo Adekunle Oluwole, Mr. Morakinyo Oludare Shorinola, Alhaji Ganiyu Adesina Majekodunmi, Professor Sowunmi Sowemimo, Mr. Sodrudeen Abolore Ayodeji, Chief Idris Olalekan Akanlawon, Alhaji Akinyemi Ibrahim Akinlawon, Mr. Adeolu Benedict Okanlawon, Mr.Mukaila Olayiwola Dosunmu, Bashorun Adebola Adeife, Mr. Abayomi Adetunji Owolabi, Chief Kolawole Ibrahim Akinyele, Mr. Babatunde Ahmed Lasaki, Mr. Olusesi Aremu Ayorinde, Pastor Michael Kolawole Ogunseye, Mr. Tajudeen Atanda Adebakin, Mr. Oluseyi Sodimu Sowemimo, Alhaji Raubil Olaniyi Durowoju, Mr. Taofeek Ayoku Umar, Mr. Motolani Ajibade Oyekanmi, Mr. Albert Kehinde Fatinoye, Chief Salmon Abiodun Ajayi, Chief Musediq Akande Adeniji, Dr. Dotun Omotayo Sorunke, Chief Mukaila Ayinla Akindele, Mr. Kehinde Samson Dosunu, Mr. Adedotun Olubakin, Alhaji Farouk Adeniyi Akintunde, HRM Oba Saka Adelola Matemilola, Chief Bakai Ajao Okedara, Chief Akinkunmi Ayodeji Jiboku, Ambassador Olatoye Okanlawon, and Mr. Adeyinka Moyosore Kotoye (SAN, FCTI).
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